Study the portrait on the screen—
the face you see
is an emergent property
of light particles
as they bounce and intermingle
with molecules of glass.
Study the image in the mind—
the memory you’re recalling
is an emergent property
of chemicals
as they splash and soak
neurons of the brain.
Study the scriptures of the Cosmos—
the meaning you’re drawing
is an emergent property
of consciousness painting life
onto stone, water, and air.
What is the real
beneath the shadow—
the truth forming the dream?